Vatican:

Pope Francis made an appeal for peace in the Holy Land, expressing concern for the humanitarian situation in Gaza and urging all sides to put down their weapons as well as all Christians to fast and pray for peace on October 27. The Holy Father also brought up the unpleasant prospect of the Israel- Hamas conflict's growth during his weekly General Audience.

The Holy Father said the number of victims is rising, and Gaza is in a desperate situation.

Pope Francis then shifted his attention to Palestine and Israel, appealing for everything possible to be done to avoid a humanitarian catastrophe.

He said the world already witnesses so many open war fronts. Given these facts, he pleaded with people to lay down weapons and heed the cries for peace from the poor, the people, and the innocent children.

The Pontiff remarked that war doesn't solve any problems but only sows death and destruction, increases hatred, and multiplies revenge. “War erases the future, it erases the future,” he said. The Holy Father appealed to all believers to support solely the cause of peace. But not with words, he added, but rather with prayer and complete dedication.

Pope Francis urged everyone to participate in a day of prayer, fasting, and penance for peace in this regard. He urged members of various Christian denominations, followers of other faiths, and all those who support peace to take part on Friday, October 27. The main activity will be an hour of prayer in St. Peter's Square at 6 pm with the intention of bringing about world peace.

"I invite all the particular Churches to take part by organizing similar initiatives that involve the people of God," he said.

Meanwhile, faith leaders and the heads of Churches in Jerusalem called for peace, humanitarian aid, and de-escalation in Gaza, after an explosion at the Angelican-run Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza City. The Church leaders condemn attacks on hospitals and people in separate statements, highlighting the necessity of humanitarian help and de-escalation.

Archbishop Justin Welby, the head of the Anglican Communion, expressed his heartfelt plea for peace in the Holy Land. The prelate stressed the importance of protecting hospitals, doctors, and patients. He acknowledged Israel's right to self-defense and security in a statement that was posted on the website of the Archbishop of Canterbury. He said that Israel has a legitimate right and duty to defend itself and to pursue a proportionate and discriminate response to establish its security. “It is an outrage that hostages are being held by Hamas,” he said. The Archbishop appealed for the release of hostages and humanitarian access calling for a lasting peace for all.